Itinerary Overview

The Ho Chi Minh Trail Dirtbike Tour 12 Days with The IA follows the legendary wartime supply route from Hanoi all the way to Saigon, offering one of Vietnam’s rawest and most meaningful north-to-south dirtbike journeys. This dirtbike tour is built for riders who want to experience the country through remote tracks, jungle corridors, and the living history of the trail itself. Beginning in the capital, the ride heads into the limestone valleys of Ninh Binh before crossing into the historical starting point of the trail at Tan Ky — where jungle corridors and mountain passes signal the true beginning of the adventure.
From there, the route dives into the karst landscapes and forest routes around Phong Nha, followed by rugged off-road sections pushing toward Khe Sanh and A Luoi, where wartime history and remote highland beauty blend together. Moving south, the terrain shifts into untouched mountains, tribal regions, and quiet backroads through Kham Duc, Kon Tum, and the red-soil coffee country of Buon Me Thuot.
The final days lead riders into the deeper southern highlands of Dak Song and Dong Xoai, where forested stretches and countryside dirt tracks form the last chapter before reaching energetic Saigon. Over twelve intense days, this route captures the spirit of the original Ho Chi Minh Trail — rugged, historic, and unforgettable.

Tour Highlights

Conquer mountains, rivers, and coastal trails on the classic Hanoi–Saigon route
From North to South, the trail unveils Vietnam’s hidden gems
Phong Nha Cave, where underground wonders meet nature’s artistry
Immerse yourself in the calm of village life, where time slows down
Explore the majestic mountain roads of the Central Highlands
Saigon, the city that never sleeps

Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Ninh Binh to Tan Ky

Tan Ky to Phong Nha

Phong Nha – Rest Day (OFF)

Phong Nha to Khe Sanh

Khe Sanh to A Luoi

A Luoi to Kham Duc

Kham Duc to Kon Tum

Kon Tum to Buon Me Thuot

Buon Me Thuot to Daksong

Daksong to Dong Xoai

Dong Xoai to Saigon

Overview

Details

Prices

FAQs

Summary

Culture: Touching Ethnic Culture in North Vietnam
Average Daily Ride Hours: 4 - 6 hours
Total Distance KM: 2050 Km
Level: Intermediate

Day 1: Hanoi to Ninh Binh

Leaving Hanoi, riders ease out of the city and enter quiet countryside with limestone peaks, rivers, and rice paddies shaping the landscape. Light dirt sections and small backroads lead into Ninh Binh’s dramatic karst scenery. The day closes among calm waterways and towering cliffs — a soft but scenic start to The IA HCMC Trail expedition.

Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 100km
Meal: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Ninh Binh to Tan Ky

Departing Ninh Binh, riders follow rural valleys, farming villages, and shaded forest roads as the terrain becomes more remote. Tan Ky sits at the historic starting point of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, offering a quiet small–town feel surrounded by hills and old war routes.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 230km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 3: Tan Ky to Phong Nha

Riders follow one of the most authentic sections of the old trail — jungle corridors, river valleys, and rolling mountain terrain. The ride feels remote and rugged in parts, with long stretches of peaceful forest. Approaching Phong Nha, limestone cliffs and deep river gorges welcome riders into Vietnam’s largest cave region.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 4: Phong Nha – Rest Day (OFF)

A full rest and exploration day. Riders can visit caves, relax by the riverside, or take short optional dirt rides. The goal is to recharge before entering the heavier highland section of the HMC Trail.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 0km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 5: Phong Nha to Khe Sanh

Leaving Phong Nha, riders push into some of the most historic and scenic highland terrain on the route. Dense jungle, old wartime paths, and misty mountain passes shape the day. Khe Sanh provides a quiet but powerful stop surrounded by deep history and cool highland air.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 250km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 6: Khe Sanh to A Luoi

Departing Khe Sanh, riders follow remote mountain roads, ethnic villages, and quiet ridge lines. Jungle edges, red-earth tracks, and river valleys appear along the ride. Approaching A Luoi, the scenery becomes greener and rugged, reflecting the region’s historical significance along the old wartime corridor.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 110km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 7: A Luoi to Kham Duc

Leaving A Luoi, riders follow a blend of forest trails, valley roads, and highland countryside. The region feels wild and remote, with small communities scattered among steep hills and cool mountain air. Kham Duc offers a peaceful highland stop surrounded by forest and old supply-route terrain.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 8: Kham Duc to Kon Tum

Departing Kham Duc, riders continue deeper into the Central Highlands. Coffee plantations, river crossings, pine zones, and ethnic villages dominate the landscape. The ride is smooth but adventurous, with gentle offroad sections. Kon Tum ends the day with a calm highland atmosphere and traditional wooden stilt houses.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 190km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 9: Kon Tum to Buon Me Thuot

Leaving Kon Tum, riders travel through rolling highland valleys, forest edges, and long stretches of open farmland. Red volcanic soil and endless coffee plantations mark the approach to Buon Me Thuot — the coffee capital of Vietnam with a warm, relaxed vibe on The IA expedition.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 10: Buon Me Thuot to Daksong

Departing Buon Me Thuot, riders follow rural backroads lined with pepper farms, highland fields, and forest zones. The terrain is varied with soft dirt sections and open hilltop views. Daksong sits quietly along the southern highland corridor, offering cool evening air and peaceful surroundings.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 140km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 11: Daksong to Dong Xoai

Leaving the highlands, riders descend through farmland, rubber plantations, and soft red-earth trails. The landscapes become wider and warmer as the route enters southeast Vietnam. Dong Xoai offers a calm provincial atmosphere — the final stop before the expedition completes its north-to-south run.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 220km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinners
Day 12: Dong Xoai to Saigon

The final ride blends countryside paths, plantation roads, and quiet rural lanes before gradually transitioning into the outskirts of Saigon. The speed picks up as riders reach the city’s lively rhythm again. The expedition closes with the full satisfaction of crossing Vietnam’s historic spine — jungle, mountains, highlands, and old wartime corridors — all completed on a 12–day dirtbike journey with The IA.

b]Summary:
Accommodation: 3-4 stars hotel or best homestay in area
Distance: 120km
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch